Green California Summit and Exposition March 13, 2007

Green California Summit Launched

In a meeting held at CalEPA headquarters in Sacramento, CA, a group of senior state officials responsible for California’s energy and environmental programs laid the groundwork for the 2007 Green California Summit and Exposition – an event that will be the first of its kind in the nation. Joining them on the board are leaders from the U.S. Green Building Council, Flex Your Power, U.C. Berkeley, U.C. Davis, the Sacramento Metropolitan Utility District and the California Commissioning Collaborative.

The summit’s Advisory Board, co-chaired by Secretary of State and Consumer Services Rosario Marin and CalEPA Secretary Linda Adams, discussed the challenges involved in developing a culture of “working green” within California government and in making the most of the opportunities created by Governor Schwarzenegger’s executive orders on energy efficiency and green building.

California government aims to inspire the private sector by demonstrating both the feasibility and the economic benefits of green technologies – from energy efficiency to environmentally preferable office products.

“California boasts one of the world’s largest economies,” said Green Technology president Bob Graves. “It has long been recognized as the nation’s leader in environmental protection, and the programs it has set in motion have the potential to change the practices of government and businesses throughout the country.”

The summit, which will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center of March 13 and 14, 2007, will provide state officials with an unprecedented opportunity to learn about the full range of green products and services that can help the state achieve its goals. It will include seminars and training programs for officials at all levels – an effort that is being guided by the advisory board and other experts within state government.

The event will also feature numerous interactive and educational elements. Among these will be an Energy Pavilion designed by staff at the UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center, the Sacramento Metropolitan Utility District and the state’s Department of General Services.

“It appears that a combination of energy concerns, an explosion of greentech innovation and enthusiasm from the investment community have created a ‘perfect storm’ for progress in environmental protection,” said Graves. “The summit will provide a needed forum for exploring the possibilities and developing partnerships and plans.”

Official Website: http://www.green-technology.org/gcsummit.htm